5.3.2 Photosynthetic Products

Key Photosynthetic Products

1. Glucose:

• The primary product of photosynthesis.
• It is used for respiration, providing energy for cellular processes.
• Excess glucose is stored as starch or converted into sucrose for transport.

2. Oxygen:

• A by-product of photosynthesis released into the atmosphere.
• Essential for the survival of aerobic organisms.

3. Sucrose:

• Formed from glucose for transport through the phloem to other parts of the plant.
• Supplies energy to growing tissues or storage organs.

4. Starch:

• A storage form of glucose.
• Found in leaves, roots, and seeds, and provides energy during periods of low photosynthesis (e.g., night or winter).

5. Amino Acids:

• Produced using glucose and nitrate ions absorbed from the soil.
• Used to synthesise proteins for growth and repair.

6. Lipids:

• Synthesised from photosynthetic products.
• Used in membrane formation and as an energy store in seeds.

7. Cellulose:

• Formed from glucose.
• Provides structural support in cell walls, making them rigid.

Transport of Photosynthetic Products

1. Phloem Transport:

• Photosynthetic products (e.g., sucrose) are transported from the source (e.g., leaves) to the sink (e.g., roots, fruits) via the phloem.
• This process is known as translocation.

2. Storage:

• Excess photosynthetic products are stored in tissues like tubers (e.g., potatoes) or seeds (e.g., wheat).

Uses of Photosynthetic Products

1. Energy:

• Glucose is used for respiration to produce ATP.
• ATP powers metabolic processes like active transport and cell division.

2. Growth:

• Products like cellulose and amino acids are used for building new cells and tissues.

3. Reproduction:

• Stored products are used for seed formation and germination.